melc's review against another edition
This is a strong piece of writing weaving tough threads of maltreatment of indigenous Australians by the white Europeans with the still lingering modern day racism. Yet, cleverly interspersed with all of this is wisdom, beauty, spirituality and inspiration.
I found this a difficult book to follow at times - we get tiny glimpses of different storylines and it makes things feel a little misty through much of the book. I also found the prose a little overly written and this meant I had to reread passages often to extract the meaning.
But I think as a historical piece raising awareness of the dreadful treatment Aboriginal people combined with the deft artistic depiction of the beauty of their core beliefs and way of life this book triumphs.
I found this a difficult book to follow at times - we get tiny glimpses of different storylines and it makes things feel a little misty through much of the book. I also found the prose a little overly written and this meant I had to reread passages often to extract the meaning.
But I think as a historical piece raising awareness of the dreadful treatment Aboriginal people combined with the deft artistic depiction of the beauty of their core beliefs and way of life this book triumphs.
stanro's review against another edition
3.5
Just completed having the most recent Miles Franklin Award winner read to me, courtesy of my municipal library and BorrowBox.
I’m a bit luke-warm about it, perhaps because I read Carpentaria in the last month. I think the plot is excellent, but the characters are under-developed.
The message about indigenous survival and the racial politics of Australia is well handled and I found it educative.
I’m a bit luke-warm about it, perhaps because I read Carpentaria in the last month. I think the plot is excellent, but the characters are under-developed.
The message about indigenous survival and the racial politics of Australia is well handled and I found it educative.
lowlandsbeach's review against another edition
4.0
The most enchanting thing about this book is the use of Wiradjuri vocabulary and language. Interesting structure with early 20th century mission writings included with contemporary narrative and prehistory. A bit slow at first , then a bit of page turning speed as I wanted to find out what happens, but the the ending felt a bit rushed and not as skilfully crafted. August is a wonderful protagonist. Months seem to feature as given names in the author's writing, eg May , a protagonist in an earlier book, also the author's middle name is June.
From Stan Grant's review "This is a novel for white people, and perhaps for those Aboriginal people removed from their communities. I can see how white people especially are seduced and comforted by the idea of someone returning to the past to find herself." "Tara did not grow up on Wiradjuri country and her novel reads like an attempt to be seen, to locate herself on Wiradjuri land, in Wiradjuri story and Wiradjuri language. Yet for a story that is so close to my own, I don’t recognise myself in her novel. She begins the book with a description of ngurambang – Wiradjuri land – she says when you say it you should taste blood in your words. I don’t taste blood at all; I taste family and love." https://www.themonthly.com.au/blog/stan-grant/2021/26/2021/1621993597/shifting-ground
From Stan Grant's review "This is a novel for white people, and perhaps for those Aboriginal people removed from their communities. I can see how white people especially are seduced and comforted by the idea of someone returning to the past to find herself." "Tara did not grow up on Wiradjuri country and her novel reads like an attempt to be seen, to locate herself on Wiradjuri land, in Wiradjuri story and Wiradjuri language. Yet for a story that is so close to my own, I don’t recognise myself in her novel. She begins the book with a description of ngurambang – Wiradjuri land – she says when you say it you should taste blood in your words. I don’t taste blood at all; I taste family and love." https://www.themonthly.com.au/blog/stan-grant/2021/26/2021/1621993597/shifting-ground
liesbethvv's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I made the mistake of reading this book too close to Too Much Lip by Melissa Lucashenko so the similar storylines blended a bit together, which is unfortunate, as both are really powerful and well worked out.
I definitely liked reading The Yield, the changing perspectives between the 3 main narrators, weaving their storylines closer and closer together made for a gripping read and the poetic narrative of Albert is just chef's kiss. Would definitely recommend!
I definitely liked reading The Yield, the changing perspectives between the 3 main narrators, weaving their storylines closer and closer together made for a gripping read and the poetic narrative of Albert is just chef's kiss. Would definitely recommend!
madeleinegrace_'s review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
jolynne's review against another edition
5.0
This is the story of Aboriginal Peoples' will and strength to save their language, land, and culture from the current and past violence, abuse, and dehumanizing policies of colonization.
katefletchhh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
whatthekatdraggedin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
macollins92's review against another edition
3.0
The story starts for me from about 60% in. I felt disconnected from the characters until then. Undoubtedly wonderful story, fantastic research and a truly insightful glimpse into the terror Aboriginals deal with.